Kyiv, 4 August 2023 – The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, has conducted a two-day training session on implementing Ukraine's social rehabilitation programme for families affected by the war. 

The event, which took place in Kyiv on 3-4 August, was attended by practicing psychologists, social workers, and social work teachers. It was conducted with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and with funding from the governments of Japan and Germany.

The event focused on the problems and needs of families affected by the war, as well as the role of social services workers in the social recovery programme for families. The functions of regional centres in implementing the programme were also determined, and attendees took theoretical and practical classes on providing psychosocial assistance. 

According to Yulia Kokoyachuk, the head of the patronage service of the Social Policy Ministry, the event will improve the implementation of the social recovery programme. 

“This programme helps families cope with their emotions, live through traumatic experiences with minimal negative consequences, and rebuild relationships," Kokoyachuk said. 

"The support of trained social workers, psychologists, and teachers in this programme is crucial for its effectiveness. Thanks to cooperation with UNDP, we have the opportunity to provide better quality, more comprehensive support to those who need our help in this difficult period of their lives."

A representative of UNDP in Ukraine, Anastasia Korobai, noted that the implementation and scaling of this program was an especially urgent task at this time, since, unfortunately, the number of families affected by the war is increasing every day. 

"That is why UNDP supports strengthening the capacity of professionals to provide all the necessary assistance for the social recovery of Ukrainian families affected by the war," Korobai said. 

"It's important that the principle of 'leaving no one behind' is not just a slogan, but also reality, where people are not left alone in the middle of difficult life circumstances," she said. 

Background: According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of July 8, 2023, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has resulted in 26,015 civilian casualties, including 9,369 confirmed dead and 16,646 wounded. The Office believes that the actual figures are considerably higher, as the receipt of information from some locations where intense hostilities have been going on has been delayed, and many reports are still pending corroboration. 

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org